Australia’s Internet user population may be dwarfed by that of regional neighbors China, Japan and India, but the continent is nonetheless one of Asia Pacific’s most mature and dynamic online travel markets. A new report from travel industry research authorityPhoCusWright, created in partnership with global digital intelligence provider comScore, finds that travel is one of the country’s most popular Internet categories, and is growing fast. PhoCusWright’s Australian Online Travel Traffic Report reveals that traffic to travel websites increased more than 30% year over year in 2010, compared to just 3% for all Internet traffic.

“Online travel is a mature Internet category in Australia, but it is also growing much more quickly than it is in similarly developed markets in North America,” says Douglas Quinby, senior director, research at PhoCusWright. “Our new study with partner comScore is the first to delve deeply into the unique dynamics of online travel in Australia, looking at how Australians shop for travel across online travel agencies, supplier websites, destination guides and reviews, metasearch and more.”

The report is included in the newly launched PhoCusWright Research Subscription: Asia Pacific Edition, an annual, subscription-based syndicated research service providing actionable data and nuanced analysis to help travel, tourism and hospitality companies thrive in each of APAC’s unique markets. Designed to serve the needs of APAC-based companies and those focused on the region, The Asia Pacific Edition delivers a 360-degree view of the APAC travel market, including market sizing and forecasts, segment data, consumer research, travel technology trends and online traffic sizing.

With strong double-digit growth projected for the next several years, Australia’s mature online travel market is poised to extend its influence over the country’s e-commerce and Internet landscape. PhoCusWright’s Australian Online Travel Traffic Report helps travel companies understand and unleash the potential of this vital Asia Pacific market. The report is also part of the Global Edition and is available for individual sale (US$695) on the PhoCusWright Store.